For bidder or worse...

That peripatetic bimbolette Tara Palmer-Tomkinson is displaying alarming signs of the erratic nonsense she indulged in during the bad old days of her powdery dependence.

Miss PT, 33, remains in demand for media appearances but, judging by her wayward behaviour last week, she may have felt a booking on the satellite auction channel, Bid-up TV, was beneath her, even if she was paid a few thousand to flog jewellery.

First, she turned up at another station's studios in Teddington instead of Bid-up's Acton HQ. Then, nearly an hour late, she pitched up demanding sushi.

Clearly tense, she chattered volubly behind a camera while the show was on air. 'She seemed awfully distracted,' I'm told.

No matter, as the Bid-up executives were delighted as Tara's presence sold a mountain of baubles.

Even if she did inadvertently head for the exit wearing their jewellery.